Interlocking Mat System

ABSTRACT

An interlocking mat system including a plurality of individual mats configured to interlock together. Each of the plurality of individual mats has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of each of the mats has ornamentation which simulates a desired texture, such as cobblestone, brick, or wood. The top surface also has a plurality of projections. The bottom surface of each of the mats has a plurality of channels which frictionally receive at least one of the projections from an adjacent mat. In one embodiment, the top surface of each of the mats also has at least one downwardly sloping graded edge, in order to prevent tripping over the mats. The interlocking mat system can be used to provide a customized driveway, walkway, or other similar area to provide a durable and resilient surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/833,857 filed on Apr. 15, 2019. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to driveways, walkways, and similar surfaces. More particularly, the present invention provides for a durable and resilient surface which can be used for vehicle or pedestrian traffic.

Many people spend large sums of money to create and maintain suitable surfaces for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Installation and maintenance of a paved driveway, in particular, is costly. When cracks and wear start to develop, the entire driveway must be repaved in order to maintain the integrity of the driveway. If cracks are left untreated, they can expand and begin to destroy large sections of the driveway. Decaying and deteriorating driveways may eventually cause damage to cars driven on them as loose debris is kicked up. Similarly, paving a patio or sidewalk are also costly endeavors and lack of maintenance causes the appearance of the property to suffer, which also causes a decrease in the value of the property.

Used tires cause a large amount of waste as there are very few uses for these tires. Many times, they are simply stacked in a dump where they take up large amounts of space. This is due to the fact, in part, that the tires are composed of rugged and resilient materials. Such materials do not break down easily and are difficult to recycle. Therefore, such properties of the tires can be utilized to create a material that can be used in paving projects. The resulting paving material is rugged, durable, and resilient; qualities which are important in maintaining a driveway, sidewalk, or the like. Therefore, a paving solution which utilizes such materials in an interlocking mat, thereby providing a rugged, durable, and resilient surface that can be repaired by replacement of one mat instead of the entire surface is desired.

Devices have been disclosed in the known art that relate to driveways, walkways, and similar surfaces. These include devices that have been patented and disclosed in patent application publications. However, the devices in the known art have several drawbacks. Some paving systems interlock in the same manner as a jigsaw puzzle, wherein each member of the system incorporates a projection and a corresponding indent to interlock the sides of the pieces together. However, when heavy vehicles drive over such paving systems, or when the ground is uneven, the pieces may become disengaged from each other. Other paving systems interlock with a series of corresponding grooves on various surfaces, and by mating the grooves, the pieces interlock. However, these systems do not provide a planar surface and are intended to create 3-dimensional objects. These 3-dimensional objects are not conducive to being traveled on, and do not provide a smooth surface on which to travel.

The present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing driveways, walkways, and similar surfaces. In this regard the present invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of driveways, walkways, and similar surface systems now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a durable and resilient surface which can be used for vehicle or pedestrian traffic. The present interlocking mat system includes a plurality of individual mats configured to interlock together. Each of the plurality of individual mats has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of each of the mats has ornamentation which simulates a desired texture, such as cobblestone, brick, or wood. The top surface also has a plurality of projections. The bottom surface of each of the mats has a plurality of channels which frictionally receive at least one of the projections from an adjacent mat. In one embodiment, the top surface of each of the mats also has at least one downwardly sloping graded edge, in order to prevent tripping over the mats. The interlocking mat system can be used to provide a customized driveway, walkway, or other similar area to provide a durable and resilient surface.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRU>TION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic Features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the interlocking mat system with a focus on the top surface.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the interlocking mat system with a focus on the bottom surface.

FIG. 3 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the interlocking mat system with a focus on how the individual mats interconnect.

FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the interlocking mat system with a focus on a graded edge

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the interlocking mat system in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the interlocking mat system. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for the interlocking mat system. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the interlocking mat system with a focus on the top surface. Each of the plurality of individual mats 100 have a top surface 110 and a bottom surface (as shown in FIG. 2, 210). In one embodiment, the top surface 110 is planar to provide a smooth surface devoid of bumps and grooves over which a vehicle or footwear is able to easily travel. The top surface 110 of each of the plurality of individual mats 100 comprise a surface ornamentation to simulate a desired texture. In one embodiment, the surface ornamentation is a two-dimensional image printed on the top surface 110 of each of the plurality of individual mats 100. In other embodiments, such as the one shown, the surface ornamentation is a three-dimensional texture that mimics the desired texture.

In one embodiment, the desired texture is cobblestone to provide a patterned texture that provides greater surface area and traction for vehicle tires and footwear traveling over the surface thereof. Such greater surface area aids in preventing slippage. In another embodiment, the desired texture is asphalt to provide a smooth texture. Such a smooth texture makes cleaning snow and ice easier as such precipitation does not accumulate between grooves and recessions found in other textures. In yet another embodiment, the desired texture is brick to provide a pleasing aesthetic. Brick differs from cobblestone in that brick has smaller channels between the individual simulated bricks, and the individual simulated bricks are larger than the individual simulated cobblestones. In one embodiment, the individual simulated cobblestones are irregular shapes while the individual simulated bricks are regular and defined shapes such as rectangles or hexagons. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the desired texture can be a myriad of different types and the present invention is not limited to the specific textures detailed above.

In various embodiments the plurality of individual mats 100 are comprised of rugged, durable, and resilient materials. In one embodiment the plurality of individual mats 100 is comprised of recycled tires, latex, and adhesive materials. Tires are difficult to break down into their component parts and are notoriously difficult to recycle. By utilizing a combination of tires and latex, held together by an adhesive, a rugged, durable, and resilient material is formed. In one embodiment, the tires are shredded and broken down into small pieces that are then mixed with latex and the adhesive to provide a more homogenous mixture. By selectively shredding the tires into smaller pieces, a finer grade a material can be produced that lends itself to adopting a desired texture. Utilizing the tires in such a way alleviates the problem of waste wherein tires are left in places such as dumps and take up an inordinate amount of space.

The plurality of individual mats 100 interlock through extensions 120 and recesses 121 disposed in the plurality of individual mats 100 in the same manner as a jigsaw puzzle is pieced together. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the configuration of extensions 120 and recesses 121 in the plurality of individual mats 100 can vary based on the needs of the user. The present invention also includes top channels 130 and top projections 140. In one embodiment, the top channels 130 and top projections 140 are formed by a molding process. The top channels 130 are sized to frictionally receive at least one of the plurality of bottom projections (as shown in FIG. 2, 240) from an adjacent mat. Similarly, the top projections 140 are sized to be frictionally received by at least one of the plurality of bottom channels (as shown in FIG. 2, 230). In such a manner, the plurality of individual mats 100 interconnect to form a surface. By interlocking not just the extensions 120 and recessions 121, but also the top projections 140 with the bottom channels, as well as the bottom projections with the top channels 130, the plurality of mats is more securely held together than other devices disclosed in the art which rely on only lateral interlocking mechanisms, and do not include the interlocking of the top surface 110 with the bottom surface.

In a Further embodiment, the interlocking mat system further includes at least one stake 150. In various embodiments, the stake 150 can be substituted with a nail or other similar device. The at least one stake 150 is driven through the top surface 110, and projects below the individual mat 100 into the surface beneath the mat. The stake 150 secures itself into the surface beneath the mat, and in this way holds the individual mat 100 in place. By employing such stakes 150, a user is able to secure not only the plurality of individuals mats 100 to each other but is also able to secure each of the plurality of individual mats 100 and therefore the entire interconnected mat surface formed, onto a desired surface. This securement ensures that the entire mat formed does not slip over the surface and is confined to a desired space, such as a path designated to be a driveway, walkway, patio, or the like. In the shown embodiment, the individual mat 100 includes a plurality of apertures 156, wherein each aperture 156 is adapted to receive a stake 150 therethrough. The apertures 156 provide a channel through which a stake 150 can travel without damaging, deforming, splitting, or breaking the individual mat 100. In a further embodiment, the top surface 110 of the individual mats 100 comprises at least one recessed area 155 adapted to receive the at least one stake 150 such that an upper surface 151 of the stake 150 is flush with the top surface 110 of the individual mat 100 when so received. In the shown embodiment, the recessed area 155 is a diameter slightly larger than the upper surface 151 of the stake 150, and the aperture is a diameter smaller than the upper surface 151 of the stake 150. Further, in the shown embodiment, the diameter of the aperture 156 is slightly larger than the length of the stake 150. In this manner, the aperture 156 can define a channel through which a stake 150 can travel through the individual mat 100, and the smaller diameter of the aperture 156 does not allow the upper surface 151 of the stake 150 to travel through the aperture, but instead rest within the recessed area 155.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the interlocking mat system with a focus on the bottom surface. In the shown embodiment, the bottom surface 210 is planar in order to provide a level surface. In one embodiment, the plurality of individual mats is flexible such that the bottom surface 210 can rest flush against the surface onto which it is disposed, such as the ground. In this manner, gaps and differences in elevation are eliminated, thus providing a stable surface onto which a vehicle or person can travel. Additionally, in the shown embodiment the bottom surface 210 highlights that each of the plurality of mats are one continuous piece despite the texture of the desired surface giving the appearance of individual bricks, cobblestones, or the like.

The top channels are sized to frictionally receive at least one of the plurality of bottom projections 2.40 from an adjacent mat. Similarly, the top projections are sized to be frictionally received by at least one of the plurality of bottom channels 230. In such a manner, the plurality of individual mats interconnect to form a surface. By interlocking not just the extensions 120 and recessions 121, but also the top projections with the bottom channels 230, as well as the bottom projections 240 with the top channels, the plurality of mats is more securely held together than other devices disclosed in the art which rely on only lateral interlocking mechanisms, and do not include the interlocking of the top and bottom surfaces 210. As discussed above, a stake can be driven through the aperture 156 and seated in the recessed area 155 to provide a method of securing the plurality of mats to a desired surface such as the ground.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there are shown a top-down view of an embodiment of the interlocking mat system with a focus on how the individual mats interconnect and a top perspective view of an embodiment of the interlocking mat system with a focus on a graded edge. The interlocking mat system comprises a plurality of individual mats 100 configured to interlock together. The individual mats 1.00 interlock through extensions 120 and recesses 121 in the plurality of individual mats 100 in the same manner as a jigsaw puzzle is pieced together it should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the configuration of extensions 120 and recesses 121 in the plurality of individual mats 100 can vary based on the needs of the user. The configuration shown in the present embodiment is illustrative only and not intended to limit the invention in any way.

In one embodiment of the present invention a lateral side 200 of at least one of the plurality of individual mats 100 is a straight edge. Such a straight edge is desirable when combining and interlocking a plurality of individual mats 100 to provide a clean and straight line throughout the completed interlocking mat. The straight line provides a pleasing aesthetic and allows for a defined border to be identified. In another embodiment, a side of at least one of the plurality of individual mats 100 comprises a curve. In such an embodiment, several curved edges can be interconnected to allow the completed interconnected mat to deviate from straight lines and match desired contours. In another embodiment, a corner 201 of at least one of the plurality of individual mats 100 includes a vertex composed of straight sides. Such corner pieces establish borders in two dimensions and provide a dean line and edge on two sides. In one embodiment, the top surface of at least one of the plurality of individual mats further comprise at least one downwardly sloping graded edge 300. Such a graded edge provides a slope along which precipitation such as rain and snow can run. The slope can be utilized to direct and channel such precipitation to the sides and edge of the completed mat surface, thereby providing drainage to the surface. Additionally, such a sloped edge reduces the profile of the individual mat, thereby reducing the tripping hazard where the individual mat is disposed above the ground surface.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the interlocking mat system in use. By utilizing straight edges on lateral sides 200 of the plurality of individual mats, corners 201, and curves, a user is able to combine the plurality of individual mats to form a complete interconnected mat. Such a complete interconnected mat can resemble a sidewalk 400, a driveway 401, a patio, or similar surfaces. Ornamentation is utilized to provide a variety of textures with desired aesthetics as well as non-slip surfaces which provide additional traction. In one embodiment, the individual mats are staked in place in order to root and keep the completed mat stationary. Where damage occurs to an individual mat, that individual piece can be replaced without having to replace the entire surface, thereby saving considerable time and money for the user. The interlocking mat system can be used to provide a customized driveway, walkway, or other similar area to provide a durable and resilient surface.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) An interlocking mat system, comprising: a plurality of individual mats configured to interlock together; each of the plurality of individual mats having a top surface and a bottom surface; the top surface of each of the plurality of individual mats comprising a surface ornamentation to simulate a desired texture; the bottom surface of each of the plurality of individual mats comprising a plurality of bottom projections; the top surface of each of the plurality of individual mats further comprising a plurality of top channels configured to frictionally receive at least one of the plurality of bottom projections from an adjacent mat. 2) The interlocking mat system of claim 1, wherein the top surface is planar, 3) The interlocking mat system of claim 1, wherein the desired texture is cobblestone. 4) The interlocking mat system of claim 1, wherein the desired texture is asphalt. 5) The interlocking mat system of claim 1, wherein the desired texture is brick, 5) The interlocking mat system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of individual mats is comprised of a recycled tire, latex, and adhesive material. 7) The interlocking mat system of claim 1, wherein a side of at least one of the plurality of individual mats is a straight edge. 8) The interlocking mat system of claim 1, further comprising at least one stake. 9) The interlocking mat system of claim 1, wherein each individual mat includes a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture is adapted to receive a stake therethrough. 10) The interlocking mat system of claim 9, wherein the top surface comprises at least one recessed area adapted to receive the at least one stake such that an upper surface of the stake is flush with the top surface of the mat when so received. 11) An interlocking mat system, comprising: a plurality of individual mats configured to interlock together; each of the plurality of individual mats having a top surface and a bottom surface; the top surface of each of the plurality of individual mats comprising a surface ornamentation to stimulate a desired texture; the bottom surface of each of the plurality of individual mats comprising a plurality of bottom projections; the top surface of each of the plurality of individual mats further comprising a plurality of top channels configured to frictionally receive at least one of the plurality of bottom projections from an adjacent mat; the top surface of at least one of the plurality of individual mats further comprising at least one downwardly sloping graded edge. 12) The interlocking mat system of claim 11, wherein the top surface is planar. 13) The interlocking mat system of claim 11, wherein the desired texture is cobblestone. 14) The interlocking mat system of claim 11, wherein the desired texture is asphalt. 15) The interlocking mat system of claim 11, wherein the desired texture is brick. 16) The interlocking mat system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of individual mats is comprised of a recycled tire, latex, and adhesive material. 17) The interlocking mat system of claim 11, wherein a side of at least one of the plurality of individual mats is a straight edge. 18) The interlocking mat system of claim 11, further comprising at least one stake. 19) The interlocking mat system of claim 11, wherein each individual mat includes a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture is adapted to receive a stake therethrough, 20) The interlocking mat system of claim 19, wherein the top surface comprises at least one recessed area adapted to receive the at least one stake such that an upper surface of the stake is flush with the top surface of the mat when so received. 